April showers bring May flowers and like many this year, we have been more excited than usual to step out into our gardens and enjoy the wonders of nature. There is so much design to appreciate in gardening. The composition and ever-changing visuals of the gardens themselves, as well as the thoughtful beauty that goes into all the tools of the trade. This month we're sharing some of the best tools that bring us endless joy doing one of our favorite outdoor activities.

Terrain Gardening Apron by Terrain

 A gardening apron has never looked so stylish as this waxed canvas and faux suede one. It keeps small tools handy for effortless meandering around your garden or property tending to the endless little jobs that make gardening such a delight! 

$44 by Shop Terrain

 Sophie Conran Ultimate Tool Set by Sophie Conran

English designer and gardener Sophie Conran created these tools for use in her own garden. Emphasizing comfort and efficiency, each finely crafted tool is engineered with features that simplify everyday gardening jobs. Crafted from beech wood and stainless steel with brass ferrules and polished steel heads, they're beautiful objects of useful art that will stand the test of time.

$299.95 at Williams Sonoma

 William Morris "Bower" Gardening Gloves by V &A

Whimsical and fun, colorful garden hoses bring a burst of energy to an early morning watering session. Pink, lavender, turquoise and even shimmery gold, these hoses make a statement that utility can be joyful as well!

$179.00 at Garden Glory

Haw's Copper Watering Can by John Haws

Haws watering cans have been popular in English gardens since 1886, the year that Londoner John Haws patented his unique design for a “watering pot” with perfect balance. This beautiful sculptural piece is crafted of gleaming copper and ideal for tending plants in the house, on the patio or out in the greenhouse.

 $134.95 at Williams Sonoma

This month we want to highlight our favorite Canadian artisans and makers from across the country. We love supporting talented artists and businesses that value not only quality and craftmanship but also the health and well-being of their customers and the planet as a whole. Below are a few of our current picks.

The Woodshop on Fogo Island, Newfoundland

3rd Story Workshop, Halifax, NS

Luminaire Authentik Montreal, QC

Atelier Vaste, Montreal, QC

Shayne Fox Hardware, Toronto, ON

Queenie X Ceramics, Toronto, ON

Nicholas Hamilton Holmes, Hamilton, ON

 Kenton Jeske, Edmonton, AB 

Kate Duncan, BC

We are always interested in discovering new artisans and makers that focus on sustainability, hand-building, and eco-friendly materials. Here are some of our favorite online sources for beautiful items for your home that are thoughtfully crafted and earth-friendly.

Hinoki Wood Side Table by Okawa Hinoki Workshop

Handcrafted from sustainably harvested hinoki cypress wood, this modern side table is a true conversation piece. The half moon design features subtle curves as well as straight lines at the base, bringing softness and a modern sensibility to any space. Made in a fair-trade workshop in Japan that has perfected the art of furniture making over four generations.

$395 from The Citizenry

Luxury Natural Throw Blankets by Avocado

These throw blankets from Avocado Green Mattress are woven or knit without harmful chemicals, in your choice of cashmere, merino wool, organic cotton or recycled cotton. The natural colors have no added dyes and all other colors are set with natural dyes and metallic salts to have the lowest environmental impact possible. The perfect example of luxurious sustainability. Available in 10 colors.

$254 from Avocado Green Mattress

Savannah Rug by Armadillo

Alternating high and low piles has a sense of movement redolent of the African grasslands in this stunning hand-knotted wool rug. Inviting to touch and wonderfully soft underfoot, it makes an unbridled statement with its enviable tactility.  Armadillo uses natural materials and sustainable processes when producing all of its products, designed to counteract today’s throwaway culture and stand the test of time.

$1,490-$4,380 from Armadillo

Kanamota Table Lamp by SIN

Designed and handmade by Brooklyn based artist Virginia Sin, this lamp is named after Mount Saint Helena which is Kanamota in Native American. Its composed of uplifted 2.4 million year old volcanic rocks and glazed in a speckled white, representing the snowfall the mountain receives in the winter. The light bulb is included and represents the position of the sun.

$275 from SIN

Rainbow Twill Napkins by MÉNAGE À QUATRE

No need for disposable napkins with this set of 4 incredibly soft and elegant no-waste dinner napkins. These super soft burlap linen napkins are accented with a refined and fun edge wrapping, making them easy to keep track of! Made from 100% reclaimed fabric to be both stylish and sustainable, these are perfect for every day use.

$59 from Itemerie

About this time every year, Spring Fever sets in, and we find ourselves looking at all the color, all the pattern, and all the spirited, joyful things! This season is no exception, having been hunkered down in our homes for several months now, we're craving 'newness' like never before! Here are some of this month's favorites....sure to cure a case of this year's Winter blues!

Petals Hand Embroidered Floral Napkin by CKD Home

These floral napkins are made to order and hand-embroidered on 100% linen. The irregular floral pattern adds a touch of biophilic design to your table as well as a nice pop of vibrant color! The napkins are made to order which means they take 3-4 weeks for delivery. Well worth the wait we think!

$25 CAD per napkin from Candice Kaye Design

Cylinder Stool  by Reinaldo Sanguino

Venezuelan born and New York City based artist Reinaldo Sanguino creates one of a kind original ceramics, using clay as both structure and canvas. His ceramic pieces are known for their freely worked surfaces, variety of rich colors and patterns, which are integral to his forms. Sanguino creates startling directional pieces that reference New York City’s ineffable energy.

$4,000 at The Future Perfect

Leather Drawer Floating Console by BDDW

This sweet side table or entry piece is perfect for squeezing into a small space. Available in a variety of colors it is handmade to order, crafted from leather and detailed with delicate brass drawer pulls. BDDW is a small American Company dedicated to timeless design, expert craftsmanship and forward-thinking manufacturing. All pieces are designed by the company's founder Tyler Hays, and fabricated in his Philadelphia-based studio by a team of talented craftspeople.

Price upon request at BDDW

Eden Wallpaper by Maison C

Inspired by nature, literature, fine art and fantasy, Maison C designs dreamlike worlds on paper.  All of the illustrations are hand-drawn and painted by the founder of the company and are printed in an ecologically friendly manner in the USA. We are smitten with this pattern, Eden, available in 5 colorways, both fresh and moody, it is an elegant botanical that will stand the test of time.

Price upon request at Temple Studio

Harry Sheep at Salt by The Caza Project

These delightful pieces are artful, joyful and reminiscent of the countryside in Spring! Made from Beech and pine and finished with genuine sheepskin, they add a touch of whimsy and warmth to any space. Handmade to order, 6-8 weeks for delivery.

$725 CAD at Salt

The colder, darker days have us dreaming of island travel and the relaxed, elegant style of the Caribbean. Local teak and mahogany with rattan and caning details, mixed with soft whites and botanical prints speak to the ease and beauty of the islands. We wish to celebrate the style that has us dreaming of our favorite escapes right about now!

Sovereign Poster Bed by Tommy Bahama Home

This statement bed combines classic British Colonial design, with a hint of campaign and a touch of safari. The rich Tamarind finish offers glimpses of gold and crimson through its aged finish. The woven cane headboard and turned posts bring additional layers of a sophisticated interpretation of island style. Available in 3 sizes

$3,179 from Layla Grayce

Organic Cotton Sheet Set by Under the Canopy

The perfect accompaniment to a dark wood statement bed would be soft white organic linens. This sheet set is not only affordable but organic, responsibly sourced, fair trade, and cruelty-free and certified by the FSC and Weltrack. They are made with vibrant, nontoxic dyes and lightweight Organic Cotton that blooms and softens beautifully with every wash. 

$59 from Under the Canopy

Botanical Prints by BarbaryPress on Etsy

This triptych of 3 botanicals has been adapted from rare scientific illustrations and enhanced with an antique finish. While the price does not include frames BarbaryPress has framing options to choose from that make for an easy process! There is nothing quite like the sight of the first palm you see when you arrive somewhere exotic which is why we love the memories of those moments that these prints evoke.

$58 set of 3 from BarbarryPress Etsy

Folding Chair by Eichholtz

Elements of Campaign, Safari, and British Colonial styles combine together in this updated teak and cane folding chair. The frame features vintage brass details and a beautiful back and seat of natural cane. It easily folds for effortless storage.

$930 from Interior Deluxe

Rattan Wall Sconce by Arteriors

The Padma Wall Light offers a simple, yet chic Bohemian inspired look, featuring a natural Rattan shade set into an Antique Brass finished arm can be positioned at various angles. 

$705 from Lightology